Vowels that a following R changes

1. learnlɜːrnverb

   To come to know something new.

   The EAR here is the sound in her, not in ear.

2. hearhiːrverb

   To take in a sound.

3. worldwɜːrldnoun

   The earth and everybody on it.

4. purposeˈpɜːrpəsnoun

   The reason something is done.

   Both syllables have the R vowel: PUR-pes.

5. certainˈsɜːrtənadjective

   Sure, with no doubt.

   Two syllables: SER-tn. The AI does nothing.

6. marketˈmɑːrkətnoun

   A place where things are bought and sold.

   The AR is the long open vowel, as in car.

7. borderˈbɔːrdərnoun

   The line between two countries.

   The OR is the vowel in more, twice over.

8. nursenɜːrsnoun

   Somebody who looks after sick people.

   Same vowel as learn and world, spelled a fourth way.

9. preparepriːˈperverb

   To get something ready.

   The ARE is the sound in air: pre-PAIR.

10. comparekəmˈperverb

    To look at two things side by side.

    Rhymes with prepare, not with car.

Sentences

1. I want to learn a little every day.
2. Did you hear what the guard said?
3. This is the best coffee in the world.
4. What is the purpose of this form?
5. I am not certain about the time.
6. The market opens early on weekends.
7. We crossed the border after midnight.
8. The nurse will see you before the doctor.
9. How long do I need to prepare?
10. Let me compare the two prices first.